Some things to look out for include:

The details being indecipherable
The laminate lifting enough to allow the possibility of photo substitution
Discolouration to the bio-data page
Chemical or ink spillage on any page
Missing or detached pages
The chip or antenna showing through the end paper on the back cover for the new style e-passports
The chip being identified as damaged after investigation

What to do if your passport is damaged

In the UK you can get an urgent passport by booking an appointment with the Passport Office. You can do it online via gov.uk/get-a-passport-urgently – but be aware that even with this service the earliest you’ll be able to get an appointment is two days after applying. Oh, and it costs an eyewatering £177.

You can also apply for a one week fast track service here, costing a still unsightly £142.

The most sensible advice? Do a me. Not throwing highlighter all over your passport bit, but the checking ahead of time bit.

And seriously, really really do not throw highlighter, water or any other liquid all over your passport. It is expensive and stressful.

Travelling this summer? You need to know these rules about your passport